What does addiction look like?

Good and Evil of Addiction

We have previously established that addiction creates a complicated imbalance that can

be related to the 5 Element Theory. The holistic concept supported by the theory has

been found effective in treatment drug addiction via a drug rehab setting. “The Good

and Evil of Addiction” will attempt to explain the diabolic affects of addiction. The

foundation of this view of addiction is based in fear and is often created through

traumatic experience leaving an addict searching for meaning throughout their life.

Utilizing their addiction to soften painful experiences within that journey has been found

to be soothing and destructive.

The concept of yin and yang; hot and cold; black and white have been used in Oriental

Medicine to describe the relationship between health and disease. Addiction is nothing

more than a result of imbalance within the body that has created an unhealthy

environment. Basically, an addict has relied on not focusing on internal development

and receiving externally in excess, which has yielded their addiction that feeds on itself

to support ongoing systematic imbalances.

A portion of the population that struggles with addiction will claim that the motive for

their use is based in life’s pressures and environmental stress. Their belief is that if they

could simply minimize or effectively manage these influences their addiction would

subside. This approach has been found to be an unfounded communication from the

system’s imbalance to the individual that fuels further addictive behaviors. Conversely,

the remaining population of addicts will claim that triggers to use are motivated by

unresolved internal issues. Low self-esteem, un-forgiveness, resentment, and absence

of self-confidence are noted influencers that encourage the cycle of addiction.

The ongoing therapy conundrum is to determine which argument is valid. Oriental

Medicine would suggest that imbalance and resulting disease is imposed by internal

conflict. If balance and strength is maintained within the family of elements then

sickness is countered effectively or denied access entirely. If this aspect of self is

lacking or weak in state, the imposed sickness will not only enter the bodies systems

but expand rapidly causing more complicated symptoms of concern. Often when this

occurs, the aforementioned explanations would reveal that another imbalance within the

imbalance is established. The sickness would expose the individual’s unsettled internal

self and lead to a trigger to use drugs to accommodate for insecurities following their

being exposed.

Efforts to regain balance by use of drugs is ultimately an effort to fill “the hole” within that

has yet to be satisfied spiritually or otherwise. Not only is it an internal issue that has not

been resolved, it is also a general issue with self that each addict is unable to explain its

origin. Plainly stated, after much research, it has been determined that the unfulfilled

internal pain experienced by addicts is most often a result of past trauma. This is

typically defined as a painful or distressful experience that has resulted in damaging

mental and physical effects. The experience could include a “brush with death”,

physical/sexual/emotional abuse, loss of limb, violence, etc.

The trauma will prompt the mind to consciously remove itself from the experience to

protect internal self. As a result, the part of conscious self that was absent from the

experience begins to recreate its own “safe” reality that often includes the development

of an addiction. The new found addiction is utilized ongoing in the future to protect self

and avoid similar traumatic experiences. This supports the angel and devil or good and

evil description of internal dialogue at the time an addict is triggered to use their drug of

habit. Here in lies the cycle of addiction and basis for developing further to insure

internal self is cultivated in a safe controlled environment. The exponential damage

caused by this process is multiplied as time passes and the results almost

incomprehensible. If not resolved in a therapeutic manner, the addict’s wounded

spiritual state begins to negatively influence their loved ones and may lead to the

invention of additional alter egos or even death by way of physical illness or suicide.

Ultimately, an addict is not hot or cold, black or white, good or evil; they are simply

balanced or imbalanced. The process of maintaining balance for an addict and anyone

is ever evolving and adjusting, which inevitably leads to self actualization.

VIDA Wellness’ truly holistic view of addiction and treatment resources can be utilized

with much more reliable effectiveness leading to healing. The VIDA clinical team is

confident that the result of pursuing our passion for healing and balance will reveal our

client’s true pain and its origins. Here in lies the freedom to live again on their terms.

You can find more information about VIDA Wellness drug rehab treatment program in

Costa Rica by visiting our website at www.vidawellnesscostarica.com or contacting Dr.

Randi directly via the information provided on our site. We look forward to potentially

working with you!!

Brian Wall, NCC, MAC, LPC, LCAS

Clinical Addiction Specialist